The Sybarite picks out the most sumptuous places to eat in London, whilst surrounded by picture perfected decor.
Think of the most decadent place you’ve visited then merge that image with the sight of a Russian oligarch’s house decor and there you have Bob Bob Ricard. Neatly tucked away in Soho, Bob Bob is a haven for art deco luxury; glittering mirrored tiles and silk wallpaper makes way for private booths with a personal ‘Push for Champagne’ button, which we did, quite persistently. Not only does your waiter offer champagne whenever you want or need it, the food is also just as compelling, we ordered the ‘Imperial Oysters’ as an aperitif, which by association we were expecting to come in some sort of uniform – instead of medals, the bivalve molluscs were dressed with beluga caviar. Those wonderful Russians are onto something.
The starters were just as robust, choosing steak tartare with yet more caviar (obviously), topped off with foi gras, followed by a lobster burger with truffle mash and greens, all washed down with a 2006 bottle of Dom Perignon. Absolutely delicious. By this point, we could have died happy then and there – Bob Bob Ricard is nothing if not indulgent. But unfortunately, one cannot sit and press the champagne button all evening, much to our dismay.
Peyton & Byrne at The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Restaurant is located within the beautiful Wallace Collection gallery on Manchester Square, considered to be one of the best collections of fine arts including paintings, porcelain and furnishings in the UK. Boasting a space that combines al fresco dining in a delightful conservatory-like setting, dotted with trees and sculptures and flooded with natural light. The all day menu is filled with classic European dishes based on traditional recipes that are reinterpreted in an innovative style.
The Wallace Restaurant serves Afternoon Tea featuring a classic Cornish Cream Tea, with a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones and a medley of delicious cakes — treat yourself to a glass of vintage Champagne. That’s what decadent lunches tucked away from the crowds should be all about.
Spring brings warmth and elegance within a beautiful dining space set in the New Wing of the iconic Somerset House, in the arts and cultural heart of London. At Spring, food is celebrated for its conviviality and the joyfulness of sharing seasonal produce. The joy in the chef Skye Gyngell’s cooking is heartfelt, wholesome, produce driven, and cooked by a team of people who are passionate about what they do and who feel truly privileged to work with beautiful ingredients.
Originally from Australia, Skye Gyngell is now one of Britain’s most respected and acclaimed chefs. After initially training in Sydney and then Paris, Skye moved to London to work at The French House and with a number of high-profile private clients before taking on the role of head chef at Petersham Nurseries. It was at Petersham that Skye became renowned for her distinctively seasonal, elegant cooking, creating dishes inspired by what she saw growing and blossoming around her.
Savini at Criterion is not just a restaurant but a representation of 150 years of Italian and English history, with Milan’s most celebrated hospitality name now showcasing the finest all-day dining in one of the world’s most spectacular and historic restaurants. Dating back to 1867, Savini is Milan’s most famous restaurant, where Verdi, Puccini, Callas and Sinatra all came to dine.
Some 150 years later this iconic brand decided to introduce its unique combination of history, food, hospitality and ambience overseas. Where more fitting a location than the romantic and elegant Grade II-listed The Criterion, in the heart of London’s Piccadilly Circus? Against a backdrop of timeless opulence designed by Royal Albert Hall architect Thomas Verity in 1873, this neo-Byzantine dining room and bar, with its fabulous gold ceiling and marble columns, now presents guests with a menu of authentic Italian dishes prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients.
The latest restaurant by chef and restaurateur, Jason Atherton, Berner’s Tavern is a gathering place for all day dining and entertaining, breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and late supper. Located at The London EDITION Hotel, on Berners Street in central London’s Fitzrovia, the restaurant is accessible via a separate street entrance.
Phil Carmichael, who has cooked with Jason for over ten years, is heading up the kitchen, creating a contemporary British menu, inspired by the traditions of Great Britain and featuring the very best produce that the British Isles has to offer. Sample dishes include Orkney scallop Carpaccio served with avocado, radish, jalapeño and lime; chargrilled quail served with Alsace bacon, smoked tomato jam, shallot and parsley; and grass fed Baccleuch estate cuts of beef cooked on a charcoal grill. Berners Tavern celebrates traditional and iconic British dishes including the heralded Sunday roast with fine cuts of Devon Red Red Ruby beef served with all the trimmings.
